This past weekend, the APC Auto Parts United Late Model Series ran their first event of 2021, which is the perfect lead-in for what is to come this weekend with Pro Late Models in action at Sunset Speedway, Flamboro Speedway, and Delaware Speedway.

1. Usual Suspects Up Front

When 100 laps were in the books at Delaware Speedway, it was Brandon Watson winning the APC Auto Parts United Late Model Series season opener ahead of Andrew Gresel, DJ Kennington, J.R. Fitzpatrick, and Dale Shaw.

Anybody surprised? Didn’t think so. After all, four of the five are past series champions, while the other is a NASCAR Pinty’s Series regular running his home track. Past experience certainly does not hurt.

The biggest surprise, though, was how dominating Watson was en route to victory with a straightaway lead on his competition. With knowing his statistics across the province, this could spell trouble for everyone moving forward.

2. The Flip Side

While the domination by Watson caught some people off-guard, Treyten Lapcevich and Jo Lawrence had people scratching their heads.

Lapcevich ran up front inside the top-five for much of the event, though ultimately faded back to seventh by the checkered flag. After coming out of the box with Wight Motorsports in winning fashion at Flamboro Speedway, a lot of people have their eyes on the youngster for a better showing.

Lawrence was the master of perfection with no finish worse than second last year en route to the title, and a trip home should have spelt trouble for the competition. Instead, he was not a factor for the top spot all night, actually missing out on the top-five all night to place ninth.

3. Behind Early

The APC Series always comes down to a matter of points and inches, and this year will probably be no exception given the level of talent. So starting the year in the hole is never the way you want to go. Unfortunately, though, mechanical issues have done that for Matt Pritiko and Jake Sheridan.

Now it’s a long year ahead with nine more events, and these two competitors are very capable of climbing themselves back up the standings via strong runs including wins in the past. However, in a series that has demanded perfection to win championships in the past, it may be too early too late.

4. Sunset Debuts

Sunset Speedway has gone forth and added a weekly Pro Late Model division to the card, and it has created a lot of discussions as to who to expect in the field, and how well they’ll do. There will be experience, but also some rookies with Coltin Everingham and Samantha Shaw making their division debuts.

Everingham enters with considerable amount of experience, having spent the last couple years in the super stock division. He has made multiple trips to victory lane, including a track championship a couple years back. Truthfully, this seems like natural progression.

Shaw, on the other end, comes from the four-cylinders, but back up on putting ordinary rookie jump here. She has been racing for 10 years now, multiple Sunset Speedway feature winner, and the experience surrounding her should be a big benefit.

5. Green to Victory Lane

If you are looking for a driver to watch on Saturday night at Flamboro Speedway, Kevin Albers should be headed to victory lane soon. After all, he placed fifth in the Grisdale Triple Crown event.

However, he’s Mr. Consistency in our notes as the top-10’s go back further, with seven in a row, including a runner-up to complete the 2019 season. It’d seem only fitting to watch him kick off this year’s points run in style.